Digital rectal examination is an internal examination of the rectum, performed by a healthcare provider.

How is a digital rectal exam done?

During a digital rectal exam, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum and feels the back wall of the prostate gland for enlargement, tenderness, lumps or hard spots.

Is digital rectal exam still recommended?

Recommendation. Do not routinely screen for prostate cancer using a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal exam. For men who desire PSA screening, it should only be performed after engaging in shared decision making.